Maria David
MOBILE Telecommunications Ltd (MTC Namibia) has announced an internal philanthropic initiative, allocating a total of N$950,000 to support its employees’ part-time business ventures through the MTC Dreamers Program.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Tim Ekandjo, MTC’s Chief Brand, Marketing, Communications, and Sustainability Officer, shed light on the program, saying that just as they are philanthropic to the nation, they are also extending the same courtesy and creating a sustainable value chain for their own ambassadors.
The MTC Dreamers Program was established in 2021 with the goal of providing financial aid and entrepreneurial training to employees actively pursuing their dreams and aspirations of owning side businesses.
Thus far, the program has assisted eighty MTC ambassadors at a cost of N$4 million.
To qualify for the program, Ekandjo explained that ambassadors (employees) are expected to apply and pitch their business ideas before an evaluation committee of internal experts.
This year, 75 applications were reviewed, with eighteen ultimately being successful.
Of this total, thirteen “dreamers” in the entrepreneurship category were awarded N$50,000 each. Four individuals in the talent development category received N$30,000, and one ambassador was awarded N$60,000 in the social cause category.
“Additionally, all successful applicants will receive three days of entrepreneurship training to provide the necessary skills and knowledge to make their businesses successful,” he said.
A previous beneficiary, Hilaria Nghiikoko, who now successfully operates a mini-market in her village in Okongo, expressed her gratitude.
She said that the funding she received enabled her to establish a mini-shop selling daily basic products, bringing essential services closer to villagers who previously had to travel long distances to the nearest town.
Nghiikoko added, “As a former beneficiary, I am grateful for the support to pursue my personal dream of owning my own business. Now, I am not just able to earn an extra income, but I have also managed to create employment opportunities for others and [am] adding value to society.”
Bertha Nangombe, one of the recent beneficiaries, enthusiastically shared her excitement: “I am excited and grateful for the opportunity.”
She added that this support from the Dreamers Program is an injection that will aid in translating her dream of clothing and feeding the vulnerable into reality.
“This is an opportunity that I am taking very seriously, and I am excited to be expanding my social project,” she concluded.
